The transition from hip-hop maestro to rap artist is a tough one, and not everyone can master it. But when it comes to getting down on the mic, some beatsmiths just have the gift of gab. With Kanye West making the successful leap from soulful in-house producer to one of the game’s most respected (and controversial) voices on the mic, XXL felt it only right to count down the best 10 producers turned rappers of all time in the October 2010 issue, which is on stands now.

Coming in at No. 10 is Timbaland, whose personality and creativity distinguish him from most rapping producers. Timbo is also quite the Casanova, as most of his past lyrics deal with the fairer sex. Be sure to pick up the October issue to get the full write up on Timbo and how he earned his spot. But for now, here’s Tim's five loveliest lyrics.

Timbaland & Magoo’s “Indian Flute”
“Baby, I’ve been eyeing you away from afar/Thanks for the props, but to me you the star.”

Timbaland & Magoo’s “All Y’all”
“To all my ladies in lingerie, never underage, who stay getting paid/Who like to take trips where the sun is shade.”

Aaliyah’s “We Need a Resolution”
“You try to blame me when I don’t even know the reason/I think it’s just the season, maybe the month, maybe the feeling.”

Timbaland’s “The Way I Are”
“I ain’t got no money, I ain’t got no car to take you on a date/I can’t even buy you flowers, but together we can be the perfect soul mates.”

Timbaland’s “Say Something”
“If I could choose, you will always be a friend of me/The more money I made, you actin’ like my enemy.”